CONGREGATION OF NOTRE DAME Blessed Sacrament Province • Mission Advancement Office 30 Highfield Rd. • Wilton, CT 06897-3802 (203) 762-4306 • Fax (203) 762-4319 [email protected] • www.cnd-m.org Summer 2012 Dear Friend of the CND, As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys’ Canonization , we rejoice that the Church has recognized her and the religious congregation that she established. It was in 1653 when St. Marguerite Bourgeoys left the security of her home in Troyes, France for the wilds of New France, (now known as Canada) to a village called Ville Marie, City of Mary . She traveled alone without the comfort of female friends to a wilderness where she chose to live alongside the poor settlers. Her call was to found a non-cloistered community of religious women who would eventually teach the children of this new foundation. St. Marguerite made several trips back to France to recruit young women who would join her in this endeavor. Ville Marie became her home until her death on January 12, 1700. On October 31st, 1982, Marguerite Bourgeoys was declared a saint! As we mark this anniversary, we thank you for all the ways you have supported us through the years. The small beginning in Ville Marie has grown to the Congregation of Notre Dame. Our Motherhouse is in Montreal and we serve the English-speaking and French-speaking people of Canada, and the people of the US, Central America, Japan, France, and Cameroon. We ask you to continue your support of the many ministries in which we are involved. You have partnered with us for many years and we ask that you continue this partnership serving people through programs of education and social services. Everything we do for God’s people is in support of life from beginning to entrance into eternal life. We have a special love of the poor as Jesus did and still does through us. Your generous contribution will enable us to continue these ministries. Know that you and those you love are in our prayers everyday. In gratitude, Kathleen Murphy, CND Mission Advancement Director S “… ALL THAT I HAVE EVER DESIRED AND WHAT I STILL MOST ARDENTLY WISH IS THAT THE GREAT PRECEPT OF THE LOVE OF GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS AND OF THE NEIGHBOR AS ONESELF BE WRITTEN IN EVERY HEART .” ST. MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS S.